Monteiro hit by opponent when in 2nd place in Argentina

Yvan Muller crashed into the rear of Tiago Monteiro Honda Civic and sent him back to 9th place.

Tiago Monteiro put in a brilliant performance throughout the Argentine round of the World Touring Car Championship held on the Termas de Rio Hondo circuit this weekend, however an opponent denied him a very well-deserved second placed finish.

Tiago Monteiro, Honda Civic Super 2000 TC, Honda Racing Team Jas

Photo by: XPB Images

Fourth on the grid for race two, Tiago Monteiro moved up two places before the first corner and was well on his way to recording his second podium of the season when Yvan Muller crashed into the rear of his Honda Civic and sent him back to 9th place.

The French driver was penalized for his actions with a drive through penalty while Tiago fought back to eventually finish in 6th place, 4 seconds behind the coveted second position. At the finish, the Portuguese racer didn't try to hide his disappointment. "I feel that I was robbed of a podium, but I want to remember all the positive aspects of this weekend," said the Honda Civic # 18 driver.

"We were very fast and that was satisfying and it is very encouraging for the end of the season. In fact, the best reward, whether for the team here in Argentina or the one back in Japan, is all the congratulations sent to us."

Two hours earlier, Tiago made a strong impression when he fought from last place to cross the finish line in 10th position as well as recording the second quickest lap of the race. "Honestly, I did not think I could move up 12 places," admitted Tiago. "The team worked hard and all credit to them!

This reflects the quality of work from JAS Motorsport Honda, as well as the competitiveness of the Honda Civic. Despite all our problems, we made significant inroads in Argentina and we proved that we were on the right track. It was a very satisfying weekend, both on an individual and collective level," concluded Tiago Monteiro, who was the most competitive Honda driver overall in Argentina.

The next round of the FIA WTCC will take place on September 8th at the U.S. circuit of Sonoma.